Lampard signs Chelsea contract extension

After a season of uncertainty over the midfielder's future, the Blues have confirmed the England midfielder will remain at Stamford Bridge next season.

Lampard joined from West Ham in 2001 for £11million and has scored a club-record 203 goals in his 12 seasons in west London.

After months of speculation over whether he would stay or go, the deal for Lampard to continue at Chelsea for a 13th season was announced after he captained the Blues in Wednesday night's Europa League final win over Benfica in Amsterdam.

Lampard, who will be 35 next month, said on www.chelseafc.com: "I'm absolutely delighted. Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea.

"We've been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable.

"I want to thank Mr Abramovich [Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich] for everything he's done in making the dream a reality.

"I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived.

"The thought of helping the club to more success in the forthcoming years is all I ever wanted. I couldn't be happier."

It caps a stunning week for Lampard, who on Saturday scored twice in the Barclays Premier League win over Aston Villa to surpass Bobby Tambling's 43-year-old mark as Chelsea's record goalscorer.